Federal aid on the way for four New Jersey counties devastated by flooding from Ivan

(10/03/04) HARMONY - After a second letter from Governor McGreevey and pressure from New Jersey's state senators, federal disaster aid is coming to four New Jersey counties flooded by the remants of Ivan. Late Saturday, President Bush declared Hunterdon, Mercer, Sussex and Warren counties disaster areas.

The disaster declaration frees up federal grants and low-cost loans not only for homeowners and business owners but also for renters. On Sunday, FEMA workers started going door-to-door spreading the news help is now on the way.

Many homeowners say they are in dire need of federal aid because so much of their homes have been destroyed by the storm and flooding.

The damage estimate in Warren County alone is $28 million. Harmony Township's Emergency Management Coordinator Dick Collins estimates the rising Delaware River caused $9 million worth of damage in Harmony.

For more information on the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Disaster Assistance, folks can call (1-800) 621-3362.